Control Line Protector With Radial Gripping Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control line protectors for downhole equipment in hydrocarbon extraction often require modifications to the tubing, such as welding or using pins/screws, which compromise the structural integrity and are labor-intensive, and may not securely attach to smooth tubing sections without slipping.
Innovation Solution
A control line protector with a body featuring channels for control lines and an attachment assembly comprising an inner collar with gripping arms and an outer sleeve that deflects radially to securely attach to the tubing without the need for pins, screws, or welding, allowing for easy installation and secure attachment to various tubing diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If control line protectors are mounted using pins or screws or welding, then the attachment strength between the control line protector and tubing is improved, but the structural integrity of the tubing is weakened and the installation process becomes labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment assembly is divided into separate components: a control line protector body and a mounting assembly that can be attached without modifying the tubing. This segmentation allows the mounting function to be added separately, preserving the tubing's structural integrity while providing secure attachment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A mounting assembly acts as an intermediary between the control line protector and the tubing. This intermediary component provides the attachment function without requiring direct modification of the tubing, using features like external threads or clamp mechanisms that attach to the tubing surface without compromising its structural integrity.
2Strength
If control line protectors are mounted by welding or inserting pins and screws, then the attachment strength is improved, but the installation time and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly is pre-configured with attachment features (such as external threads or clamp mechanisms) that allow for rapid installation. The control line protector body and mounting assembly can be pre-assembled or pre-positioned, reducing on-site installation time and labor requirements while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical fastening methods (welding, pins, screws) are replaced with a simplified attachment mechanism such as external threading, clamping, or snap-fit features. This substitution maintains attachment strength while dramatically reducing installation complexity and time requirements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If control line protectors are designed without tubing modification, then the structural integrity of the tubing is maintained, but the attachment strength may be reduced and slipping may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly incorporates localized high-friction or high-grip features at the contact points with the tubing (such as serrated surfaces, rubber coatings, or adjustable clamps). This local enhancement of grip quality provides strong attachment without requiring modifications to the tubing's overall structure, maintaining structural integrity while preventing slipping.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly includes adjustable or adaptable features that can dynamically adjust to different tubing diameters and surface conditions. This dynamic adaptability ensures optimal contact and grip strength across various tubing configurations, maintaining secure attachment without compromising tubing integrity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a strong, secure, and cost-effective attachment method that reduces the need for multiple size options, minimizes installation time, and maintains the structural integrity of the tubing, while allowing for easy servicing and protection of control lines.
Implementation Method 1
when the inner collar and the outer sleeve are arranged axially around the pipe and pressed together each of the plurality of gripping arms is deflected radially inwards by the outer sleeve to grip the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A control line protector for protecting one or more downhole control lines running alongside a pipe, comprising a body with one or more channels, wherein each of the one or more channels is adapted to receive a control line, and an attachment assembly coupled to the body for attachment to an outer surface of the pipe, wherein the attachment assembly comprises an inner collar comprising a tubular portion and a plurality of gripping arms extending axially away from the tubular portion and arranged to deflect radially inwards and an outer sleeve adapted to slide at least partially over the inner collar, wherein when the inner collar and the outer sleeve are arranged axially around the pipe and pressed together each of the plurality of gripping arms is deflected radially inwards by the outer sleeve to grip the pipe and thereby secure the body to the outer surface of the pipe.